Counterfeit Bills in Online Guitar Sale Lead to Pursuit

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A man who wanted to sell his Fender guitar to a buyer he met through the Offer Up app had a long Sunday afternoon, according to Tumwater police.

The man selling the guitar learned he had been paid in counterfeit bills. 

Tumwater police are now looking for a rusty, blue, 1980s-style pickup with a crew cab. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man who used the name “Richard.” There also were two women with him at the time, according to Lt. Jen Kolb.

About 4:10 p.m. Sunday, the seller and buyer agreed to meet at Olympia Campground and Fuel on 83rd Avenue Southwest, south of the Olympia Regional Airport.

When the seller discovered he had been paid with counterfeit money, he chased after the suspect in his vehicle and stopped him at Armstrong Road Southwest.

The victim and suspect got out of their vehicles and began arguing. The suspect then reached into the victim’s car and took his car keys. The victim then jumped into the back of the suspect’s pickup and broke out the truck’s back window.

That was followed by the suspect chasing the victim with what was thought to be a Taser. The suspect then drove off.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Tumwater police at 360-754-4200.